"Office Supply Manufacturers Go Green"

By Darrel R.
Green Office Store.com's Associate Content Editor
September 1, 2007

The demand for environmentally-friendly goods and services has driven manufacturers of office supplies to “go green.” As demand swells, office supply manufacturers will undoubtedly grow their environmental product lines and gain larger market shares as they force out less environmentally conscious companies and products. As customers continue to support these pioneers, it will help push the cutting edge of new environmental product development.

AMPAD Greencycle

AMPAD Greencycle makes notepads and other paper products from 50-percent recycled materials and 10-percent post-consumer waste materials. These can be purchased at retail office product stores, online, catalog and environmental office products distributors.

Esselite Earthwise

Esselte Earthwise makes pocket folders from 100-percent recycled and 50-percent post-consumer waste materials; file folders from 100-percent recycled materials and 30-percent post-consumer waste materials; hanging folders from 100-percent recycled materials; and jacket folders from 100-percent recycled materials and 30-percent post-consumer waste materials. These also can be purchased at retail office product stores, online, catalog and environmental office products distributors.

Fiskars Envirogrip Scissors

Fiskars, a premier manufacturer of a variety of scissors, makes Envirogrip scissors from 30-percent post-consumer plastic.

Riverside Ecology Pads

Riverside's Ecology Premium Legal Pads have 100-percent recycled fibers.

3M Office Supplies

3M's Post-it Notes have been recyclable since they were introduced in 1980, despite the light adhesive backing. Also available are Post-it Recycled Paper Notes, which are made from 30 percent post consumer waste. Te sheer nature of the product provides environmental benefits by enabling consumers to significantly reduce the amount of paper required to attach messages or information to documents. For example, using a Post-it Fax Note eliminates the need for a cover sheet.

Office supply retailers support the manufacturers’ efforts by encouraging the purchase of these “green” products over less environmentally friendly versions. One online office supply store, BuyOnlineNow.com, has a feature marked “Green Info” to notify consumers whether a product is environmentally friendly. They explain that everything from envelopes to storage boxes can be found in eco-friendly designs and encourage consumers to do their part to help the earth.

The leading office supply manufacturers play a key role in changing the way consumers make their purchases. By using post consumer waste materials and producing products that can be recycled, they significantly reduce the impact of our businesses on the environment.